to RattleSnakes Facts

Introduction to RattleSnakes

Rattlesnakes are member of the pit viper family, there are around 30 different types of rattlesnakes based across the world. All rattlesnakes have a distinct rattle, expect from baby rattlesnakes with are born without one. A baby rattlesnake will start to form the first segment of theirs after two weeks of being born. Most rattlesnakes shed their skins between two to three times per year, which creates a new section on the end of the rattle. There are different methods of identifying these types of snakes, for example they have vertical pupils and also feature 2 pits which are located beneath their nostrils.

Rattlesnakes become dormant within cold weather and winter, they are usually active from mid-march until the end of summer when the autumn arrives. They have a triangular shaped heads wider than their neck, the rattle located at the end of their tail is used as sign of when they feel threatened.

Shocking Statistics

Around 8500 people per year are bitten by snakes per year only within the USA! around 9% of victims die as a result

Rattlesnakes can strike half of their own body length

Approximately 24% of bites from rattlesnakes do not contain venom.

If you are visiting a desert, or visiting an area which may contain snakes, one of the most useful, yet easy methods to protect yourself is to wear cowboy boots (the thicker the leather the better). Tuck your pants into the boots, which should help protect your lower leg area from bites. This has most definitely saved peoples lives, especially from baby rattlesnakes which can cause a potentially fatal bite.